Artadi La Morera de San Lázaro 2018

97 points Luis Gutiérrez (Wine Advocate): “The bottled 2018 San Lázaro delivered all the promise of the unbottled sample. It’s aromatic, fresh and clean, with energy and depth. It comes from a plot of 1.62 hectares planted in 1956 on sand and limestone soils. All the vineyards are vinified the same way, after a one to two-day cold soak, the wine fermented in open-top oak vats with indigenous yeasts for 10-12 days, during which time the grapes are foot trodden, and they do a short pump-over. It matured in barrique for nine months. This is all about finesse and elegance—it’s all in the right place, and it’s seamless, balanced and harmonious. It’s just plain great. A very attractive vintage of San Lázaro. This is clearly Grand Cru quality. 2,000 bottles were filled in June 2020. Drink: 2021-2030. (Jan 2021)”

97 points James Suckling: “The aromas of cloves, crushed stones, flint and dark berries are so enticing already. Full-bodied, very structured and powerful with a superb tannin background to the subtle and thought-provoking fruit. From organically grown grapes. Drink after 2024. (8/31/21)”

95 points and ‘Podium Award,’ Peñín Guide to Spanish Wine: “(100% tempranillo). Colour: cherry, purple rim. Nose: fruit expression, red berry notes, floral, spicy. Palate: fruity, good acidity, long, easy to drink. (2021)”